EN 15814 Polymer Modified Bituminous Thick Coatings for Waterproofing - Definitions and Requirements

The European standard "EN 15814 Polymer-modified bituminous coatings for waterproofing - Definitions and requirements" describes the definitions and requirements for prefabricated polymer-modified bituminous coatings used for waterproofing underground structures. This standard applies to both single-component and two-component products. These products can be used with or without fillers. However, this standard does not apply to products used for roof waterproofing.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• Crack bridging ability: It refers to the ability of a product to bridge a crack formed underground under specified conditions and without damage.
• Free film: Film based on cured polymer modified bituminous coating emulsion that is tested without being applied to a substrate.
• Coating: Industrially produced material included as an intermediate layer when applying a coating.
• Polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings (PMBC): A prefabricated polymer-modified bituminous thick coating based on an emulsion, consisting of one or two components, with or without additives such as additives and mineral aggregates. In the case of two-component PMBC, component A is the liquid bitumen emulsion and component B is the reactive liquid or powder component.
• Pressurized water: Water in the ground under hydrostatic pressure.

According to this standard, all polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings must meet the general requirements in the table given in the standard. These requirements are based on:

• Crack bridging ability
• Rain resistance
• water resistance
• Low temperature flexibility
• Dimensional stability at high temperature
• Reduction of layer thickness when completely dry
• Reaction to fire
• Waterproof
• Pressure resistance

When necessary, the water vapour diffusion resistance must be tested according to the standard “EN 1931 Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Bitumen, plastic and rubber sheets for roof waterproofing - Determination of water vapour transmission properties”.

The EN 15814 standard is critical for ensuring the quality and performance of waterproofing materials in construction, particularly in buried structures such as basements, tunnels, and foundations. This standard applies to both single-component and two-component polymer-modified bitumen coatings. These products can be used with or without reinforcement and are specifically designed for the waterproofing of underground structures. Products specifically designed for roof waterproofing are not covered by the standard, as they are covered by other standards. This standard provides a framework for compliance with the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011, particularly through Annex ZA, which includes provisions for compliance with European Union directives.

This standard outlines several critical requirements for polymer-modified bituminous coatings that ensure their durability and effectiveness in waterproofing applications. These requirements include:

• Material composition: Coatings should consist of polymer-modified bituminous materials that provide flexibility, adhesion and resistance to environmental factors.
• Performance characteristics:
  • Crack bridging ability: Tested according to EN 15812 standard, it guarantees that the coating can bridge cracks in the substrate without damage.
  • Flexibility at low temperatures: Evaluated according to EN 15813 standard to guarantee performance in cold conditions.
  • Compressive strength: Evaluated according to EN 15815 standard to verify the ability of the coating to withstand compressive forces.
  • Rain resistance: Tested according to EN 15816 to ensure that the coating maintains its effectiveness when exposed to water.
  • Reaction to fire: The annex to the standard describes in detail how to assemble test specimens for reaction to fire tests and ensure compliance with safety standards ((Annex A).
• Conformity assessment: This standard provides guidelines for assessing the conformity of products to ensure consistent quality, as specified in the construction products directive.

Coatings complying with the EN 15814 standard are primarily used for waterproofing underground structures such as:

• basements
• Underground parking lots
• Tunnels
• Fundamentals

These coatings are critical for preventing water ingress, which can cause structural damage, corrosion, or mold growth. This standard ensures these materials are tough, durable, and resistant to environmental influences such as temperature fluctuations, mechanical stress, and water exposure.

To comply with the EN 15814 standard, manufacturers must:

• To carry out rigorous tests according to reference standards (e.g. EN 15812, EN 15813, EN 15815, EN 15816 standards).
• Provide documentation demonstrating compliance with the building materials regulations, as specified in Annex ZA.
• Ensuring that products meet fire safety requirements, particularly reaction to fire classifications.

The compliance of this standard with European Union legal regulations ensures that compliant products can be marketed throughout the European Union and the European Economic Area, facilitating trade and ensuring consistent quality in construction projects.

Consequently, the EN 15814 standard plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and reliability of polymer-modified bitumen coatings used in the waterproofing of underground structures. By establishing clear definitions, performance requirements, and compliance guidelines, it supports the construction industry in providing durable and safe waterproofing solutions.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 15814 Polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings for waterproofing - Definitions and requirements standard.